- Dec 14, 2012
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Hi there, I'm fairly new here and was hoping to get some answers/help with my chickens. I have 2 reds and 2 barred rocks that are about 8-9 months old. They have been laying eggs regularly for a little more than a month now. About a week ago I noticed that one of the reds was losing feathers and I assumed that it was simply molting. Yesterday I noticed that there was blood near her tailfeathers along with missing feathers. At this point the hen was still behaving the same and I thought that perhaps the other chickens were possibly pecking at her. So after asking around and doing some research, I decided that I should take her into the vet to get checked out first and then have her seperated from the rest so she can heal and not get pecked. The next morning my poor bird was dead and still very bloody and I witnessed the other hens pecking at her
So my question is, why did the hen die? Was it from sickness or being pecked by the others? Also, should I be concerned that the hens can possibly become sick as well since they pecked at this hen? Is it still safe to consume the eggs? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time!
P.S. The hens are safe from predators in a large enclosed area and have access to clean water and plenty of food.

P.S. The hens are safe from predators in a large enclosed area and have access to clean water and plenty of food.